The Brenthaven Expandable Trek backpack seemed like a great backpack when I first got it: it has a nice padded computer sleeve built in for my MacBook; it has a nice expandable compartment that can hold my camera, a few books, and a lunch; it has all kinds of useful little pockets and features.
Until the zipper went out for the main compartment I would have rated it 4 or 5 stars for sure. But since the zipper went out its now nothing but a useless dud, so thus the 1-star rating. Bummer. And that was after very little use.
I contacted Brenthaven about having it repaired, and they've provided me a return authorization #, and asked me to ship the bag to them for repairs. Ok, I will, but it is an inconvenince, it costs money, and it takes time to get it fixed. It is something that should have never happened in what is billed as a quality product. After all, my Rick Steves cheapo backpack has gone through years of hard use with nary a problem, and it was only $15. Sigh.
UPDATE: I just received back 'my' backpack from Brenthaven, and I have to say that their customer service was superb. Not only was their turn-around time incredibly quick, they actually 'repaired' my bag by replacing it with the latest model. I'm impressed. I also noticed that the new version has much more rugged zippers, as well as a few new additional features. Way to go Brenthaven! Although the Amazon rating system doesn't allow for it, if I could I'd raise my rating to 4-stars based on Brenthaven's customer service(not 5-stars because I believe it shouldn't have failed to begin with).
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Saturday, July 25, 2009
Brenthaven 2079102 Expandable Trek for Notebook - Steel Blue Review
Friday, July 24, 2009
Be.ez 100568 LE vertigo 17 Street Shoulder Bag for Macbook Pro 17 ( Grey / Blue) Review
There are a lot of options for carrying your laptop around. I was looking for something a little different from what I had used before. This bag carries well, but the addition of a rubberized grip on the strap to keep it from slipping on your shoulder would be a welcome addition. The inner pocket that holds my MacBook Pro is snug. Not too tight unless you also use a snap on cover for the laptop. The interior pockets seem well crafted and carry the odds and ends that accompany a laptop adequately. This is not really a business bag, but the look will probably not appeal to the business guys. I do like the vertical orientation - it seems to be a little easier to carry without banging into things. This bag is well made and looks like it would take a beating. The materials look first class. Overall a great bag for the price.
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Thursday, July 23, 2009
Brenthaven Sling I for 13.3-Inch MacBook Air/ MacBook Review
First off, the color of this bag is not light gray. I just received my Sling I and it is the same color as the Sling II, very dark, steel metallic gray. Second, it BARELY holds a 13" laptap, and with a my laptop inside, I have room for ONE book for school..that is it. It does not expand much and the padding for the laptop takes up a lot of the space in the bag. It is completely non functional for college. As a laptop bag alone, I can see it being adequate, but as a messenger bag..well..you can't really messenger much. Third complaint, the pockets for extra storage are very awkwardly placed and hard to access. 4th, the water bottle compartment on the side is ridiculous. It is shaped like a V which tends to "squeeze" the water bottle out and on to the ground if you jolt the bag or tip it side ways at all. Ahhhh...what a waste of shipping cost!! Oh..one pro...it is very comfortable when on the shoulder, even with the weight of my lap top in it and the one book it held. It didn't slide off either, like many sling bags tend to do.
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Wednesday, July 22, 2009
SAMSONITE VM-101S All Steel TV Wall Mount for 13" - 17" TVs (SAMSONITE VM101S) Review
Main Features
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Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Universal Projector Case with Shoulder Strap 13INX9INX3.5IN Review
Product Information
Physical Characteristics
Miscellaneous
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Monday, July 20, 2009
Samsonite 17910 15-Inch Proteo Casual Messenger Bag (Black) Review
The ultimate in laptop protection with Laptop Shock Absorber technology to keep the modern traveler's most precious possession safe and sound.
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Sunday, July 19, 2009
Samsonite 24961-1041 Aramon Large Neoprene Sleeve (Black) Review
Slim, lightweight sleeve with protective rubber corners
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